Social media behaviour and patterns of use among nursing students: A systematized review

Abstract

Aim

To collate existing quantitative empirical evidence on social media behavior among nursing students.

Background

Professionalism in nursing, characterized by adherence to ethical principles, accountability, compassion and patient confidentiality, is vital for quality patient care and maintaining public trust. As nursing students navigate their education and clinical training, the increasing role of social media introduces new challenges to upholding these standards.

Design

A systematized review design.

Methods

The literature search was conducted in January 2024 across four scientific databases – PubMed, ProQuest, Web of Science and Scopus. The search produced 3490, while 20 studies were included in the final analysis. Content analysis was used to analyze included studies. The review reflected the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Checklist 2020.

Results

Four main topics were identified, as follows: Social media usage among nursing students; Privacy awareness and patient confidentiality; Inappropriate content posted on social media; Responsible social media use. The review highlights both the educational advantages and professional risks of social media use among nursing students. While social media platforms provide access to educational resources and professional networking opportunities, they also pose significant risks, including breaches of patient confidentiality and the blurring of personal and professional identities.

Conclusion

Understanding nursing students' social media behavior is essential for educators, policymakers and students. The findings contribute to the ongoing discourse on the role of social media in nursing education and professional development, emphasizing the need for vigilance in online behavior to maintain high standards of professionalism in the digital age.